Dixie Ticktrefoil
Desmodium tortuosum
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Desmodium
- Species:
- Desmodium tortuosum
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Virgin Islands
Host Plant for Caterpillars
corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Exelastis pumilio, Porphyrosela desmodiella, Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers disturbed areas with good sunlight